About John Rennie
Lived 1842 – 1918 (aged 75–76). John Rennie was an engineer.
John Rennie (1842–1918) was a Scottish naval architect born in Stranraer.
Rennie became an apprentice shipwright on the Clyde at Govan but, determined to better himself, studied naval architecture in the evening. He worked in Dumbarton and Renfrew, before gaining the position of Chief Draughtsman with Scott & Linton at Dumbarton, where he worked on the clipper Cutty Sark under Hercules Linton. He was then appointed Naval Constructor and Instructor for the Chinese Government, working in Shanghai, a position he occupied for eight years. On returning to Scotland, he worked with the Ardrossan Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company and then, for 19 years, with John Fullarton & Company at Paisley. During his career Rennie also designed various instruments used in shipbuilding. He died at Leith.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in John Rennie's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Rennie's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Rennie?
British naval architect
When was John Rennie born?
John Rennie was born in 1842.
When did John Rennie die?
John Rennie died in 1918.
What was John Rennie's occupation?
John Rennie was an engineer.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Rennie (naval architect)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Rennie. https://biography.guide/john-rennie-engineer/
MLA: "John Rennie." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-rennie-engineer/.
Chicago: "John Rennie." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-rennie-engineer/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:15 UTC